Staff Report

MIAMI – NBA Hall-of-Famer and Miami Heat Legend Alonzo (Zo) Mourning and his lovely wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning have proven to have philanthropy running through their veins. For more than two decades, the power couple has used their wealth and influence to help under- privileged youth and families.

Now they are gearing up for the third annual, Zo’s Winter Groove (ZWG) – sister event to the former Zo’s Summer Groove of years past – to benefit the Mourning Family Foundation, which provides ongoing support to youth development charities in Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas and more.

ZWG is focused on improving the lives of youth through mentoring, healthy living and laughter to raise awareness of both the issues and needs affecting inner-city youth in Miami-Dade County.

The four-day event kicks off with a Youth Summit on Friday, January 13, hosted by Florida Memorial University, The Carnival Foundation, and Miami Heat Charitable Fund. The summit will bring over 400 students from various schools across

Miami-Dade together to discuss a range of issues from drugs, violence and exploitation to peer pressure, bullying and the effects of social media.

The youth summit will be hosted by comedians Darren Brand and Chico Bean from the cast of Nick Cannon’s Wild N’

Out. Students will hear panelists from a broad range of backgrounds including music, sports and more.

Dr. Roslyn Artis, FMU President, will deliver the keynote welcome address to students about the importance of education before turning it over to an esteemed group of panelists including: Alonzo and Tracy Mourning; Grammy nominated recording artist and song writer, Jonathan McReynolds; Koryn Hawthorn, the Season Eight Finalist of The Voice; Kevin Powell, activist and commentator; author and motivational speaker Terri Crook; and actress Stacy Rose. Students will have a full day of activities and fun, while discussing issues that are important to them and their generation.

On Saturday, January 14, Pepsi, Foot- locker, and the City of North Miami will host the 3rd Annual Zo’s Winter Groove 5k Run/Walk and Family Health and Wellness Fun Day at the North Miami Athletic Stadium, located at 2555 NE 151 Street in

North Miami. The day will begin at 8 a.m. with the Run/Walk and conclude with a day of free health screenings, athletic activities, fun and entertainment for the entire family.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday, January 15, with the annual ZWG Comedy Groove hosted by comedian, Gary Owen. Entertainment will be provided by jazz saxophonist, Mike Phillips and include the sounds of DJ Irie. Diageo and the JW Marriott Marquis are the presenting sponsors. Supporters, patrons and sponsors of the Mourning Family Foundation will enjoy a VIP experience thanking them for believing in the important work MFF and the charities it supports does.

To learn more about Zo’s Winter Groove, visit www.zoswintergroove.com for registration and event information.